Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A

Do you recommend Antibiotic Therapy for RA?  I am currently on Remicade infusions every 6 wks and 15mg of Methotrexate a week, &  2.5mg of Prednisone, 400mg of Plaqunil a day.  I am beginning to feel relief from the infusions (I have had 4 total) but I am still very tired and I keep getting sore throats….not sure why.  I can walk much better than I was able to walk a few months ago.  Do you think I should explore the Antibiotic therapy or just stick with what I am currently doing and possibly be able to get off of some the my current medications in the near furture?

I have Rheumatoid factor of 440. I realize this is high.  But what is the severity of my RA with a factor this high? My ccp is 33 and SED Rate is 25. I am 43 and just discovered this 2 weeks ago, due to foot and shoulder pain. Could you please give me some guidance.

I have just started dating someone. She told me she has RA. I basically knew nothing about it. I want to learn more now. My main question is how does having RA affect one’s quality of life?

Why do you guys ignore the NIH study that proved in a placebo controlled trial minocycline was far more effective than placebo for RA? There is also a correlation w RA and an animal model with the microbe mycoplasma. Dont patients have a right to know this? On your page the reasearch is funded by drug companies, could that be why?

I take 20 mg. MTX the next day, I am so tired I can not hardly move, is this normal.

I don’t “live” right now, I just “exist” from day to day. My treatment for RA is Rituxan infusions, Prednisone only for extreme flares (I refuse to take it otherwise) and Valium for sleep. I am currently pregnant and off my medications; however, my OBGYN said that it is safe to take the Valium since I am in my 3rd trimester. Even with the Valium, I am taking much less than I am permitted. My unborn child is very healthy and I am being monitored closely. I am so tired and in so much daily pain. I would give almost anything to have just a few minutes of painlessness – like I used to be. I am tired of medications, needles – it all seems useless. The RA affects my breathing at times, my back, neck, hips, toes. I worry that I will not be able to take care of my child that I am carrying. How much pain is one expected to take? Do you think that there will be a cure? What do you think about stem cell treatments for RA? I am physically and mentally exhausted from this disease and the research that I do every day to see if someone can help me. I am having a really difficult time. I will never accept this disease. I just want out of this body of mine. After my child is born, I would be willing to do any research trials that are going on; I have nothing to lose at this point. Can you help me in any way?